Alabama has been granted approximately $30 million to support 25 environmental and recreational projects in Coastal Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey announced during a recent press event. The funding, provided through the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 (GoMESA), aims to enhance environmental education, improve water quality, and boost recreational access in the region.

Governor Ivey expressed her enthusiasm for the projects, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. “We have secured more than $30 million to fund projects that improve and beautify this region we all love,” she stated. This announcement brings the total GoMESA-funded projects during the Ivey Administration to over $210 million.

A significant portion of this year’s funding focuses on environmental and nature education. Governor Ivey highlighted the importance of educating future generations about Alabama's natural habitats and wildlife. Several projects will enhance educational facilities, including museums and aquariums, to provide valuable learning experiences for both residents and visitors.

Commissioner Chris Blankenship of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources praised the positive impact of these projects. “The nature-based education, water quality improvements, and public access expansion projects announced today will have a long-term positive impact,” he said, noting the collaboration with Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill projects and other funding sources.

RELATED ARTICLE: Protecting And Controlling Fees From State's Offshore Energy Sources

One of the standout projects in this funding round is the revitalization of the Sea, Sand, and Stars environmental learning center at Orange Beach Elementary School. Orange Beach City Schools has been awarded $979,684 to enhance this facility, which serves as a key educational resource for students and visitors.

The funding will support the creation of nine new exhibits, each highlighting different aspects of Orange Beach’s marine life, history, and sustainability efforts. Existing features such as the 5,000-gallon saltwater aquarium, interactive touch tank, planetarium, and 900-foot boardwalk will also be renovated.

The revitalized center will align seamlessly with Orange Beach Elementary’s curriculum, offering enriched learning opportunities that deepen students’ understanding of life sciences and foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Beyond the classroom, the center will serve as an invaluable resource for the broader community, providing insights into local conservation initiatives and the importance of preserving our coastal environment.

Superintendent Randy Wilkes said, “The revitalization of the Sea, Sand, and Stars is a great use of GoMESA funding and will help us protect and educate our precious natural resources while inspiring the next generation.” The center’s enhancements will align with Orange Beach Elementary’s curriculum, offering enriched learning opportunities in life sciences and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Construction on the revitalized center will begin immediately, with a tentative completion date to be announced. Once completed, the center will reopen to the public, providing insights into local conservation initiatives and the importance of preserving the coastal environment.

The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 established a revenue-sharing model for oil and gas-producing Gulf states, ensuring that Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas benefit from offshore production in the Gulf of Mexico. This latest round of funding underscores the commitment to utilizing these resources for the betterment of Alabama’s environment and communities.